A Widnes-based community organisation has seen a surge in participation and engagement thanks to funding from Halton Housing’s Helping Hands scheme.

Angel Dust Holistics CIC received Helping Hands funding to enhance its Community Wellness & Holistic Wellbeing Programme, supporting local residents to improve their mental health, confidence and sense of connection through accessible wellbeing, exercise and creative activities.

The funding has enabled Angel Dust Holistics CIC to invest in new equipment and supplies, creating a more welcoming and fully equipped community space. This includes exercise equipment, wellbeing resources and art and craft materials, helping the organisation expand its offer and meet growing community interest.

Since receiving the funding, Angel Dust Holistics CIC has reported a 30% increase in participation within its exercise classes. The introduction of equipment alongside body-movement sessions has made classes more engaging and inclusive, encouraging more people to attend and take part regularly.

The improvements have also had a positive knock-on effect across the wider programme.

Alongside the expanded exercise sessions, attendance at other wellbeing activities has steadily increased, including relaxation, wellness and art and craft classes. Together, these activities are making a real difference to people of all ages who may be experiencing loneliness, low confidence or mental health challenges.

Reflecting on the impact of the funding, Angel Dust Holistics CIC said: “These have helped us to expand the exercise class by using equipment rather than just body movement, which in turn has increased participation by approximately 30%. Alongside improved take-up on our other exercise and wellness classes, and a slowly increasing art and craft class attendance, this is making a big difference.”

They added:

“This was a massive help, especially at such an early stage in our growth. It gives more appeal to our classes knowing that we have equipment and supplies already on site. It is much appreciated – thank you.”

Angel Dust Holistics CIC is based in Widnes and offers low-cost and free sessions for adults, children and families, including gentle exercise, meditation, creative workshops and community drop-ins. The organisation focuses on creating a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environment where people can improve their wellbeing, express themselves creatively and build supportive relationships.

Halton Housing’s Helping Hands funding supports local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to deliver projects that improve health, wellbeing and community cohesion across the borough.

Through initiatives like this, Halton Housing continues to work alongside grassroots organisations to help residents thrive and strengthen local communities.